Stars Of Baselworld 2008

Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono

Breitling plunges towards new records by presenting the Avenger Seawolf Chrono, the world's only chronograph to be both watertight and operational at a depth of 3,300 feet.

Whereas most chronographs cannot be activated while diving so as to prevent water seeping in through the push-pieces, Breitling has achieved a major technical breakthrough by developing the magnetic push-piece principle, involving controls operated through the metal of the case and thus avoiding any direct contact between the push-piece and the movement. The sturdy steel case fitted with a decompression valve features alternating matt satin-brushed upper surfaces and polished sides – as does the rider-tab bezel.

The chronograph displays are both original and efficient, with an additional central sweep second hand for the minutes and a 1/10th of a second totalizer at 2 o'clock. Like all Breitling electronic watches, this champion of the depths is equipped with an exclusive SuperQuartz movement, ten times more accurate than a standard quartz movement.

Breguet Heritage Tourbillon

The Heritage watch displays its functions on a costly face wrought with silvered gold. It’s chapter ring has been painstaking cut out and superimposed like delicate lacework on the chambered dial that has been engine turned by hand.

It is curved on two axes to fit perfectly on one’s wrist and the basic Breguet calibre 187 has been modified and truncated to meet the requirements of this piece.

Made of a single piece, the tracery of Roman numerals subtly hugs the contours and intensifies the architecture of the object. The tourbillon bar takes its part in the tableau in the role of the hour marker at 6’ o clock.

Hublot Aero Big Bang

This mono-material 100% tungsten timepiece breaks new ground from the inside while keeping its profile, combining in an unusual design both sharp and round angles.

It comes with a 44.5 mm diameter case, a microblasted black dial skeleton-like cut-out with satin-finished ruthenium colour appliqué index markers. The hands are sandblasted, ruthenium, chronograph hand with H-shaped counterpoise.

Titanium screws and satin-finished steel push pieces complete the rugged feel of a premium watch waterproof to 100m.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II

This majestic watch has a 41 mm case and a movement with a Parachrom hairspring, highly resistant to shocks and magnetic fields. It is equipped with new Paraflex shock absorbers. Both features contribute to the watch’s chronometric precision and remarkable reliability.

The Day-Date II case is crafted from a block of 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or platinum. With a diameter of 41 mm, it is comfortable to wear and aesthetically pleasing. Fitted with a fluted or polished bezel, it is waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

The Day-Date II is equipped with the new calibre 3156, designed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. It is fitted with new PARAFLEX shock absorbers as well as a PARACHROM hairspring, extremely resistant to shocks and magnetic fields. Certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), it has a power reserve of 48 hours.

Tag Heuer CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chrono

TAG Heuer unveils a watch that was literally designed from the world build for speed: The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chrono.

Powered by a column wheel movement, the Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph is the only automatic chronograph capable of measuring and displaying 1/10ths of a second!

Visible through a tinted double sapphire crystal, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) certified movement oscillates at an astonishing 36,000 vibrations per hour. This enables the central seconds hand to tick off 1/10th second intervals, giving at-a-glance readings of an unparalleled exactitude and accuracy.

TAG Heuer has developed an exclusive Rotating Scale that permits a precise reading of 1/10th of a second. The new Titanium carbide-coated and rubber bracelet with folding buckle makes for a comfortable and easy fit, perfect for someone who lives life in the fast lane.

(For the complete article please refer to your June 07 issue of Golf Asia magazine)